Valentine Smith

Valentine Smith is the co-owner of the funeral home Hazel & Smith, an eccentric businessman and adventurer, and one of the two main characters in Maria Rudneva's Victorian detective series. His flamboyant and charismatic persona is a complete contrast to his reserved partner, Dorian. Build and Height: Tall, stately, more lean than simply skinny. Hair: Black, straight hair that falls below the shoulders. The left side of his face is hidden by long, jagged bangs. Facial Distinction: A childhood ball lightning strike left a noticeable scar on his face. It was after this incident that his right eye acquired the ability to see ghosts. Wardrobe: He dresses strikingly, elegantly, and strictly in the fashion of Victorian London. Essential attributes of his image are a straight-cut black coat and a classic top hat. Sillage: The character is associated with the atmosphere of autumn; he often smells of rain drizzle, rotten leaves, and slightly rotten apples. Personality and Behavior: Extrovert and Adventurer: Valentine is hyperactive, noisy, and incredibly adventurous. He's bursting with ideas and strives to transform dreary funerals into an aesthetic, luxurious "show" for the deceased and the living. Emotionality: Despite his grim profession, he's a great jokester, very sensitive, emotional, and outgoing. He knows how to charm people and always wears a charming smile in public. Trouble Magnet: He has a talent for constantly getting into dangerous trouble due to his curiosity and easy risk-taking. Client Focus: He's sincerely devoted to his work. He believes death is a personal celebration for the deceased, so he's willing to go to any lengths to fulfill the last wishes of a ghost client. However, if Dorian doesn't like something, he'll definitely accommodate.